Web roll changer



A. J. HORTON Oct. 27, 1931,

WEB ROLL CHANGER Flled July 16, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ilu Oct. 27, 1931. A J. HQRTON 1,829,719

WEB RLL CHANGER FIled July 16, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 27, 1931. A. J. HORTON 1,829,719

WEB ROLL CHANGER Fled July 16, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented ct. 2.7, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALBERT J'. HOBTON, OF WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOB TO R. HOE & C0., INC., OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK WEB BoLL application mea :my 1s,

This invention relates to certa-in improvements in web roll controlling and web roll changing and pasting mechanism for printing machines. y

In modern highfspeed press operation, the web rolls have to be renewed from time to time during the press run. In the operation of these printing machines saving of time is, of course, of the highest importance and it is desirable that the operation of the press shall be interfered with to the least possible degree during this web renewal.

It is the especial object of the present invention to design a roll changing and pasting mechanism for web presses in which there is provided a rotary support for supporting a running web roll and a spare web roll vwhich is automatically rotated to bring a spare roll into a position in which it is pasted or spliced to a web from the expiring'roll and the expiring web severed, the support then .continning its movement to a running positlon, the movement of the support to the running position bringing the support into position for a new spare roll to be loaded therein, this cycle of operations thus comprising ay oomplete rotation of the roll support, the movey ments of the support being entirely automatie.l

It is the further object ofthe invention provide a web roll changing mechanism 1n which a movable support is employed for supporting a running web roll anda. spare web roll which will automatically move from a loading position to a position at which a new web roll may be pasted or spliced to an expiring web and then moved to runnng position, and after the/web has nearly expired and has been pasted to the fresh roll the support is moved to a loading position and the new roll to running position, this cycle of movements being entirely automate and controlled only by the expiring roll when such expiring roll has been reduced to a predeterthe novel features v 5 oft at figure, and

CHANGER 1927. Serial No. 206,209.

that the mechanism operates only at the deslred point on the expiration of the roll, so that variations in the position to which the support may be moved is immaterial and does not aifect the operation of the mechamsm. A

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved construction of simple form for effecting these desired objects.

With these and other objects not specifically referred to in view, the invention consists in certain novel parts, arrangements and combinations which will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims hereunto annexed.

In these drawings,-

Figure l is an end elevation showing the parts in normal running position with a web from a full roll feeding into thepress and a reserve roll just having been placed in position; a

Figure 2 shows the position of the parts with the support rotated so that the reserve roll is about to be pasted or spliced to the web running from the expiring roll;

Figure 3 shows the position of the parts 'with the support rotatedv further in a clockwise direction and the reserv'e roll pasted or united to the old web, and the latter being severed from the spent roll;

'Figure 4 shows how the support may be operated to remove a full or a running roll if it is desired to remove it from the mechanismfor any purpose;

Figure 5 is an end view, partly broken away and partly in section, of the mechanism shown in Fi re 1, looking in the direction of arrow Figure 6 is`a plan or top view of the construction shown in Figure 1, lookingin the direction of arrow 6 of that figure, certain parts being broken away ,and certain parts being omitted.

45 mined diameter, the arrangement being auch"v Referring now to the drawings, the ma- 90 cludes a rota? a running ro and a spare roll, this support during a complete rotation moving from loading position to a position where a new roll may be pasted to a web from the expiring roll, then to a normal running position under control of certain friction means and also to loading position, this cycle of movement being entirely automatic and controlled entirely by the .decrease in size of the running roll. It will beunderstood, however, that as to certain features the invention is applicable to other forms lof movable roll supports and is not to berestricted to a support having a cornplete rotary movement. o p I 'I Referring to the construction illustrated, however, there is provided side frames 1, 2 on which are mounted a pair of brackets 3, 4 in which is journaled a rotary shaft 5. This shaft 5 is given a rotary movement through a motor and suitable gear connections, not shown, as these are well understood in the art. Mountedon this shaft are a pair of arms 6, 7, in the opposite ends of which are bearings 8, 9 forrotatably supporting a running web roll R and a spare web roll S, the web rolls beingloaded into the arms when the parts are in the position shown in Figure 1, from a truck 10, or in any other suitable manner.

` In accordance with the invention, means are provided for elfectingan automatic rotation ofthe arms to effect their movement to pasting, running and loading position, and inthe preferred' form `of the invention this movement will `be controlled entirely b the expiring roll when it has been reduce to a predetermined diameter. .Means are also provided for severing the expiring web after the paste, for bringing the new or reserve roll'up to web speed at .the time the paste is made, and for controlling the tension of the running web.

While these various agencies may lvary somewhat in construction, in the machine shown, referring to Figures 1 and 5, the tension on the running roll is `,controlled and, mamtalned by fr1ct1onmeans, shown 1n theI form of narrow straps or belts, lmarked 11, three such belts being shown.A These straps or belts are each secured at one end to arms 12 pivoted on a cross shaft 13 supported in bearings in brackets 14 secured to the frames 1, 2, before referred to. These straps or belts are arranged to pass around and engage about one half of the surface of the running roll, and

have adjustable weights 15 secured to their free ends.

The belts or straps pass over pulleys 16, loose on a shaft 17, suitably journaled in brackets 17 depending from side frames 18, 19 of the pressl (see Figure 6) and over a guide roll 20 supported in brackets 21, one of which is, shown the guide roll 20 being ar ranged beyond the pulleys 16, so that the free ends of the straps are clear of the running roll in its Various positions. These belts or straps serve to maintain pressure against the web roll surface'and maintain the desired web tension during the unwinding of the roll.

Constructions embodying the invention will includemeans for automatically rotating the web roll supporting arms when the running roll f'reaches a predetermined diameter, and these means preferably will be such as to function regardless of the position at which the web roll support stops when moved to the running position shown -in Figure 1.

While the specific construction of these means may vary,`as shown, there is provided a long controller arm 22 and a short arm 23,

both these arms being fast on the shaft 17, before referred to. The long arm 22 engages the unwinding roll, .and while if desired 'the arm may contact directly with the roll surface, preferably, as shown, it isarranged to bear against one of the straps or belts, as for instance the center, the arm 22 being pros vided with a bend 24 (Figure') so that it will clear the belt pulley.

The arm 22 resting yonthe strap or belt,

which in turn bears onJ the surface of the web rol1,fo1lows the roll as it decreases in size, rocks the shaft 17 and shifts the position of the short arm 23.

This short arm'23 is arranged to actuate a switch which starts theV motor operating the roll support. .While this may be done in various ways, in the preferred construction means will be provided by which only a predetermined diameter of the expiring web roll will cause the starting of the motor. As shown, there is a second controller arm 25 provided with a controller switch 26, having a push button 27 which closes a circuit in- Y dicated at a-b (Figure l) for the operating motor. The controller arm 25 is loose on the shaft 17 and bears against a boss 28 of one of the roll supporting arms, asthearm 6, this boss being concentric with the core 29 of lthe web roll supported in the arms 6, 7, one ofthese bosses being provided at each web roll position on the arm.

From the construction so will be seen lthat as the running web roll decreases to a predetermined diameter the arm 22 brings the arm 23 into contact with the push button 27, operates the switchA and starts the motor, and by adjusting the position of the arm 23 on the shaft 17 this action will occur at any desired diameter of the web roll. Furthermore, this is independent of any variation of theposition of the web roll support, owing to the controller arm running on the `concentric boss 28, such variation befar described it ingcompensated for by the automatic shifting or changing of the arm 25 and with it thc .switch 26. A stop.30 nay be providedl with frame 19 (see Figures 5-6), to prevent undesired rearward movement of the arm.

As the motor starts, the web roll support is rotated clockwise to the position shown in Figure 2. Machines embodying the invention will include means for speeding up the new roll S to the speed of the running web, and these means are preferably driven from the press. Various devices may be employed for this, but in the construction shown there are provided a plurality of rolls 32 (Figure 6) on a shaft 33 supported in a pair of arms 34, 35 pivoted on a shaft 36 journaled in the side frames 18, 19, before referred to. This shaft 36 is driven from a shaft 37 geared to the press, through a gear 38 on the shaft, intermediate gear 39, and gear 40 on shaft 36. shaft 33 being driven from shaft 36 by a chain 41. If desired, a stop 42 may be provided on the arm 34 cooperating with a pin 43 fast in the machine frame to prevent the arms 34, 35 from dropping downwardly so far as to interfere with the movement of the spare roll S into position.

Construct ions embodying the invention will y include means for severing the expiring web omitted if desired. The specific construction of these means may be varied, of course, but 1n the best constructions the severing means `will be operated with a quick action so as to insure complete and quick severance of the web. A s illustrated, the shaft 13 is provided at one end outside the arms 12 with a short arm 44 which is connected by a link 45 to an arm 46 fast on a rock shaft 47 journaled in brackets 48, 49 secured to the frames 1, 2, before referred to. This shaft 47 has fast thereon arms 50, 51 which support a cross-member or bar 57 on which is mounted the web severing device,shown as a serrated cutting knife 52. Also secured on the shaft 47 is an arm 53 to which is connected one end of a spring rod construction 54 which tends to keep the parts in the position shown in Figure 1. If

desired, brake plungers 55 may be provided which engage the surface of the expired roll to stop its rotation after the running or old web has been severed. These plungers ai'e resiliently mounted and' have shanks 56 extending through the bar 57 by which they are secured in position by the usual locknuts.

As the web roll support turns from the position shown in Figuretlthe spare roll S is brought u to web speed b v. the friction rollers 32. it eing understood, of course that adhesive has been applied to the surface of the spare roll. As-the rack is thus turned, the running Vroll presses against the arms 12 and forces them into the position -shown in Figure 2, thus putting the spring 54 under compression. A further movement of the roll supporting arms to the position shown in Figure 3 brings the spare roll into contact with the web running from the expiring roll and the paste is made, the end of the new or spare roll following the old web into the press. The old roll, having moved past the ends of the arms 12. releases the arms and ,these arms move upward out of the way, and at the same time the spring operates the cutting knife 52 which severs the old web, and by the same movement the brake shoes 55, where these are employed, come into contact with the surface of the expiring roll and stop it. The rotation of the roll supporting arms is continued until the parts have again reached the normal running position, that is. the position shown in Figure 1. The expiring roll may then be removed and a new roll readily put into position. It will be observed that the arrangement of the belts or straps acts to maintain the desired amount of wrap on the roll while it is running. and the mechanism for cutting olf the expiring web is a very quick one, so that a full severance of the web is eti'ected.

ll'hen the new roll has reached the running position, the motor is automatically stopped by means of a limit-switch, indicated at 6U, this switch being operated by projections 61 turning with one of the roll supporting arms. as the arm 6. It is understood that the switch is connected electrically in parallel with the switch 26 and in series with the motor and it will be further understood that when either switch is closed the motor will operate to turn the web roll support as described. In the operation of the mechanism both switches are open while the running roll is unwinding. `When, however, the running roll has been reduced to a predetermined diameter the contacts of switch 26 are closed, thereby starting the motor and as the support rotates the contacts of switch 60 are closed when disengaged from one of the projections 61. The support will then continue to turn untilthe opposite .projection again engages and operates the switch 60 to open the circuit, the switch 26 in the meantime having been opened by the positioning of the new roll.

Under certain circumstances it may be desirable to remove the running roll from its roll supporting arms before it has been exhausted, as for instance in changing from a full length roll to a shorter one. lVhere this is desired, the roll support can be independently turned, under manual control, by suitable switch arrangements, which are not shown as they are well understood in the art. the arms 12 being so arranged as to permit a roll to be moved past them, the arrangement of the parts for permitting this to be done being shown in Figure 4.`

'hile the invention has been shown and described in its preferred form, it will be v tated to carry a running web roll and a spare` tated to carry a running web roll and a spare understood that various changes may be made in the specific construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is: 1. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the` combination of a rotary'support capaciweb roll, friction means engaging the surface of the running web roll to control it while unwinding, and means controlled by .the running roll for automatically rotatin the support to bring the spare web roll fromIoadingposition to pasting position, running position and again to loading position.

2. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of a movable support capacitated to carry a running web roll and a spare web roll, friction means engaging the surface of the running web roll to control it while unwinding, and means controlled solely by the diameter ofthe running web roll for automatically moving the' support' to bring the spare web roll into pasting and running positions.

3. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of va movable support capaci- Vtated to carry a running web roll and a spare web roll, and means controlled solely by the diameter of the running web roll for automatically moving the support' to bring the spare web roll into pasting and running pos1t1ons.

4. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of a rotary support capaciweb roll, friction means engaging the surface 0f the running web roll to control it.

" 4while unwinding', means controlled by the running -roll for automatically rotating the support to bring the spare web roll into pasting and runnlng positions,I and means for severing the expiring web after the paste has been made.

5. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of a movable -webroll suppolt capacitatcd to support a plurality of webroll into pasting and running positions,

and 'means controlled by the movement of the support for severing the expiring web yafter 'the paste has been made.

7-.1 In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of a movable support capaciweb roll, means controlled solely by the d i-A ameter ofthe running Web roll for automatically moving the support to bring the spare web roll into pasting and running positlons, means controlled by the movement of the support for severing the expiring web after theV f paste has been made, and means v.for bringing the spare web roll up to web speed prior to making the paste.

8. In a,- web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of a movable support ca-l pacitated to carrya running web roll and a spare web roll, a controller arm following the running web roll as it decreases inslze,

a second controller arm'engaging thevl support, and a switch controlling the movementv of the support, said switch being actuated' a second pivoted controller arm engaging the support, and a` switch controlling' the movement of the support carried by the second arm and moving therewith, said switch vbeing actuated when the arms come into a predetermined relation with each other.

10. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of a movable support capacitated to carry' a runningzweb roll and a spare web roll, a friction belt or strap engaging the surface ofthe roll' and following the roll at-it, decreases in size, a controller arm engaging the strap, a second controller arm engaging the. support, a switch controlling the movement of the support carried by the second arm, and means for actuating the lswitch when the-arms come intoY a predetermined relation with each other.

11. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of. a movable support for supporting a runningweb roll and a spare web roll, a friction belt or strap engaging the roll surface to control it while unwinding, a pivoted arm to which one end of the belt or strap is secured, said arm being moved by a movement of the support, Vmeans for severlng an explrlng web, and means actuated by the movement of the arm for vputting the web severing means under tension so that such means will act with a quick movement for web severing. i.

12. In a web roll joining mechanism, the combination of means for pasting a new web roll to an expiring' webincluding a movable support, and spring controlled means tensioned through thev movement of the sup-V port for severing the old web after the paste. 13. In a web roll controlling mechanism,

the combination ofA means for pasting anew web roll to an expiring web including a movtated t0 llyv a running Web If01l 'and a Sparen able support, friction .means for controlling Il the expiring web, means for severingan expiring web, and spring means connected with the friction means for actuating the severing means. s 5y 14. In a web roll controlling mechanism, the combination of means for pasting a new web roll to an expiring web including a y Y movable support, a friction belt or strap engaging the web. a pivoted arm to whichl 10 one end-of the belt or strap is secured, 'a severing knife, an arm carrying the knife, a. spring connected with the knife arm, and connections between the arms.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set 15 my hand,

' ALBERT J. HORTON. 

